The Elementary Library, in partnership with the Young Readers Club (YRC) celebrated the annual National Book Week with this year’s theme “The Filipino Reader in the Era of ASEAN Integration” from November 18-23, 2015 through a series of meaningful activities for the Elementary Department. Through the leadership of Mrs. Arlyn S. Cristobal, Elementary Library Head and Ms. Mary Angelique Baylon, Assistant to the Elementary Library Head, with the assistance of YRC officers, activities such as “Book Donation Drive”, “Shelfie contest”, “Name that Book” contest, “Tagisan ng Top Readers”, Spelling Bee contest and “Who am I contest “ were conducted. Different contested events were participated in by pupils from Kindergarten to Grade 6 including DKLC.

The activities’ main objectives are: (1) to foster the love for library, (2) improve the reading culture of pupils through the use of story books; (3) to test pupils’ familiarity with the classic stories for children and general reference books; (4) to test pupils skills in spelling of words (use of dictionary); and (5) to develop among children the value of generosity by sharing or donating their story books for the Book Mobile Project of the University Libraries.

The celebration was proven a huge success. It shall continue on as a major activity of the Elementary Library

The following were the results of the different contested events:

November 3, 2015 marked the 3^rd Book Mobile project deployment at Magalalag, Enrile, Cagayan. Dr.  Juliet D. Villanueva, the OIC Director of Libraries emphasized in her Statement of Purpose the advantages of reading which has the power to boost a child’s learning potential in preparation for the foundation of academic excellence.

This activity was graced by the Barangay Captain ALBINO C. CARAG, who inspired the preschoolers in his welcome address, the Barangay Kagawad PURIFICACION T. CALIMAG who participated in the untying of ribbon, Barangay Kagawad LIBRADA L. MABAZZA who accepted and responded to the launching activity and MR. BEN B. ALLAM, another Barangay Kagawad who delivered his inspirational message.

Learning activities such as Story Telling Fiesta, Nursery Rhymes and Coloring Sessions were conducted during the launching activity. These activities were participated in by the preschoolers through the assistance of library staff and BLIS students as facilitators, storytellers and Nursery rhymes’ teachers.

The program was concluded by a short message given by the USL Community and Extension Services Coordinator, Mr. Herbert Corpuz.

ASEAN Integration”, the High School Library led by Mrs. Rosemarie A. Espanto conducted various activities participated in by the High School students and faculty. For the HS teachers to feel involved in the celebration of National Book Week, the High School Library prepared one contested event for them such as the Teacher Henyo as an opening of the celebration in November 9, 2015 where Ms. Mylene Zingabo was declared as winner. Seeing the happiness in their faces is also our consolation as librarians spearheading such activities.